‘Dog Splash Days’ coming to Templeton Sept. 12-13

–Dog Splash Days, the annual celebration for dogs and their humans at the Templeton Community Pool, will return Sept. 12-13. This annual event attracts locals as well as tourists looking for a unique experience with their family dogs.

Dogs only are allowed in the pool for the event. Local dog trainers and therapists wearing wetsuits volunteer their time as dog “lifeguards” to assist dogs in entering and exiting the water. Dog life vests are available for dogs that are new to swimming. Pool toys such as rubber ducks, rubber bananas, and Frisbees are also available.

The Templeton Community Pool officially closes for the season at the end of August but opens for one last weekend of frolic. Parks4Pups, a non-profit group, organizes the 2-day event with all proceeds benefitting Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton. In 2014, 250 dogs participated in the event. Dog Splash Days is the main fundraising event to support the dog park.

The Templeton Community Pool is located at the corner of Old County Road and 6th Street and adjacent to the downtown park in Templeton.

This year’s swim schedule is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Sunday 10 a.m. swim session is reserved for small dogs (under 30 pounds) and senior or infirm dogs. Small and senior dogs are also welcome at all other swim sessions.

Both the tot pool and the shallow end of the adult pool are open for dog swimming. Swim sessions are scheduled on the hour and limited to 20 dogs at a time to ensure a quality and safe play time for all dogs. Dog life vests and lots of floating retrieval toys are provided.

Dogs must be 5 months or older and adult male dogs must be neutered. Paper proof of current rabies vaccination must be presented at the registration table prior to admission to the pool area. Any dog displaying aggressive behavior will be required to leave the pool area immediately with a full refund.

Admission is $20 per dog per swim session and advance reservations for a swim time are recommended but not required. Dogs with pre-paid reservations are admitted before walk-ins on a space available basis.

Paid reservations can be made at www.parks4pups.org using a credit card or PayPal account. Optionally, reservations can be made by mail at PO Box 795, Paso Robles, CA 93447. Reservations must include name, phone number, and desired date and time for swimming. Checks should be made payable to Dog Splash Days. For more information about this event, call (805) 239-4437.

Professional local photographers attend the event to capture the action and special moments. Visitors are encouraged to dress their dog with a distinctive collar or bandana so they are recognizable in photos. The photos are available for viewing and purchase after event day through the website at www.parks4pups.org for a nominal donation.

For those without dogs, a lawn area is available adjacent to the pool for spectators. Many visitors bring a picnic lunch and lawn chairs to spend the afternoon watching the spectacle.